Hotels
Best hotels in Amsterdam: 10 places on the canals and in the Museum Quarter
Amsterdam is best seen from a window above a canal. These are the hotels we would choose, from canal palaces on the Herengracht to a former library and a diamond factory in De Pijp.
Amsterdam is made for walking and cycling, with bridges, narrow canal houses and houseboats on every street. In spring the tulips bloom, and in winter the lights of the Amsterdam Light Festival reflect in the canals.
Many of the city's best hotels are in 17th century canal houses, and several have joined whole rows of houses into one hotel. We have picked ten we would stay in.
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Where to stay in Amsterdam
The canal ring, or Grachtengordel, is classic Amsterdam, with the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. The Museum Quarter surrounds the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, while De Pijp is the city's food district, home to the Albert Cuyp market.
The canal ring for classic Amsterdam
The Museum Quarter for art and the Vondelpark
De Pijp for food, markets and cafés
Around Dam Square for easy access, with bigger crowds
On the canals
Pulitzer Amsterdam
The canal houses that make up Pulitzer.
Pulitzer Amsterdam: 25 canal houses in one
Pulitzer is made up of 25 old canal houses between the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, linked by courtyards and staircases. Every room is different, and many look out over the water.
There are two restaurants and a spa, and guests especially love the location. Dam Square and the Anne Frank House are a few minutes away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Pulitzer Amsterdam
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The Waldorf Astoria on the Herengracht at dusk.
Waldorf Astoria: canal palaces on the Herengracht
The Waldorf Astoria occupies six 17th century canal palaces on the Herengracht, the grandest canal in the city. The garden behind the houses is one of the largest private gardens on the canals.
There is a spa and an indoor pool, and the Willet-Holthuysen Museum is a few minutes away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The Dylan Amsterdam
The courtyard at The Dylan.
The Dylan: calm on the Keizersgracht
The Dylan is on the Keizersgracht in a 17th century building that was once a theatre. From the street it looks modest, but behind the gate lies a peaceful courtyard.
There are three restaurants, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at The Dylan Amsterdam
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Andaz on the Prinsengracht on a summer evening.
Andaz Prinsengracht: design in the old library
Andaz is on the Prinsengracht in the building that was once the city's public library, and the interior is playful and colourful. In the evening the hotel hosts a social hour included in the price.
Guests praise the staff, and Dam Square and De Negen Straatjes are a few minutes away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Ambassade Hotel
Canal views from Ambassade Hotel.
Ambassade Hotel: the writers' hotel
Ambassade Hotel spans a row of canal houses on the Herengracht and is known for its library of books signed by authors who have stayed here. Many rooms look out over the canal.
There is a spa and a restaurant, and the flower market is a few minutes away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Ambassade Hotel
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
The lounge at The Hoxton.
The Hoxton: canal houses for less
The Hoxton is in five canal houses on the Herengracht, a few minutes from Dam Square. Rooms range from small to roomy, and the lobby is a social hub for guests and locals alike.
There is a restaurant and a bar, and guests especially love the location.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at The Hoxton, Amsterdam
The Museum Quarter, the centre and De Pijp
Conservatorium Hotel
The glass atrium at the Conservatorium.
Conservatorium: luxury by the Van Gogh Museum
The Conservatorium is in a grand old building in the Museum Quarter that was once a music conservatory, with a huge glass atrium at its heart. The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Vondelpark are a few minutes away.
There are three restaurants and a spa. Choose it for art, shopping on P.C. Hooftstraat and quiet luxury.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Conservatorium Hotel
De L'Europe Amsterdam
The pool at De L'Europe.
De L'Europe: the classic on the Amstel
De L'Europe stands on the Amstel next to the Munttoren and the flower market. It has been one of the city's finest hotels since the 1800s, and from the terrace you watch the boats glide past.
There are three restaurants, two bars and an indoor pool, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at De L'Europe Amsterdam
Hotel V Nesplein
The lobby at Hotel V Nesplein.
Hotel V Nesplein: theatre street by Dam Square
Hotel V is on the Nes, a narrow street of theatres right by Dam Square. The lobby is warm and informal, the kind of place you linger in.
There is a restaurant and a bar, and guests especially love the location.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel V Nesplein
Sir Albert Hotel
A room at Sir Albert Hotel.
Sir Albert: the diamond factory in De Pijp
Sir Albert is in a former diamond factory in De Pijp, with tall windows and lots of light. The Albert Cuyp market and the restaurants of De Pijp are around the corner, and the Museum Quarter is a few minutes away.
There is a restaurant and a bar, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Sir Albert Hotel
When to visit Amsterdam
Spring is high season, with tulips at Keukenhof from late March to mid May and King's Day on 27 April, when the whole city turns orange. From December to January the canals glow during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Book early for King's Day and Easter.
Book early for tulip season and King's Day
Buy tickets for the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House in advance
Take the train from Schiphol, it is around 15 minutes to Centraal
See also Italian restaurants where the locals eat.
FAQ: hotels in Amsterdam
Where should I stay in Amsterdam?
The canal ring is the classic choice, with hotels in old canal houses. The Museum Quarter suits art lovers and the Vondelpark, while De Pijp is best for food and markets.
Which Amsterdam hotels are on the canals?
Pulitzer, the Waldorf Astoria, The Dylan, Andaz, Ambassade Hotel and The Hoxton are all on the Herengracht, Keizersgracht or Prinsengracht.
When do the tulips bloom in Amsterdam?
Keukenhof is usually open from late March to mid May, and the tulips are at their best in mid April.
How do I get from Schiphol to the city centre?
The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes around 15 minutes and runs several times an hour.
What is King's Day in Amsterdam?
King's Day is celebrated on 27 April with street parties, flea markets and boats on the canals. The city fills up, so book a hotel early.